Chiricahua National Park Designation Approved By Congress

Arizona may soon be home to another National Park! After a lengthy campaign to preserve one of Southeast Arizona's most iconic landscapes, the Chirichauas have finally advanced toward a major milestone.

A press release issued by Cochise County last week announced the passage of legislation that re-designates Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park. The next step is for the President to approve it, and the bill is now being sent to his desk for a signature.

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It's been a long journey. County leaders say this achievement reflects years of effort by residents, community groups, conservation advocates, and state and federal lawmakers, who campaigned for the re-designation to keep the monument's current boundaries and protections unchanged.

A Big Moment For Cochise County

Chairman Frank Antenori of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors described the congressional approval as "an important step for the entire region", adding that "greater national recognition could help attract visitors and create economic opportunities" for the local communities and businesses in Cochise County.

Kathleen Gomez, the supervisor for District 2, said Chiricahua "has for a long time been a source of pride for families in Cochise County" and that "greater attention might lead visitors to not only visit the monument but also to explore the various communities in the surrounding area."

Senator Mark Kelly supported the Bill. | Rebecca Noble, Getty Images

The bills enjoyed bipartisan support, with U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly supporting the legislation; Senator Ruben Gallego and a number of local partners also backed it.

Why Chiricahua Matters

The Chiricahua Monument is a beautiful, distinctive destination in Arizona and is known as the "Wonderland of Rocks".

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge designated Chiricahua a national monument. According to the National Park Service, the area preserves over 12,000 acres of steep rhyolite pinnacles, balanced rocks, forests, wildlife habitat, and cultural resources. The National Park Service says the park draws about 60,000 visitors each year.

The effort to convert Chiricahua from a state park to a national park is significant. Cochise County says the proposed redesignation would not expand the monument's boundaries or require acquiring adjacent private property; however, once enacted into law, Chiricahua would become Arizona's newest national park and bring greater national recognition to one of the state's most magnificent natural treasures.